Following the cadet’s aim of creating good Canadian citizens, community involvement is a big part of the cadets program. The cadets have been involved in a variety of community events. The program has helped youth get more involved with their local community by providing them opportunities to interact with other people of Abbotsford. Special emphasis is placed on community involvement which could include fundraising events, parades and other community activities. 

In May 1979, a year after the squadron was established, a promotion parade was held. Although this was an annual parade that took place in the Abbotsford Airport, senior and junior cadets were recognized with promotions during this parade. This public display of promotions was an encouraging moment for the youth. This article about the promotion parade also listed the various parades and events and even a campout that the air cadets had planned for the upcoming months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The air cadets are a big part of prominent city events such as the City of Abbotsford’s Remembrance Day parade, Vimy Ridge Ceremony, and the Battle of Britain. These are annual events held by the city where you can expect to also see the air cadets. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fundraising that took place in the earlier years of the cadets also allowed cadets to engage with their communities and learn valuable skills along the way. In 1982, the air cadets banded together to fundraise for a used 77-seat bus. This bus would be a multi-purpose vehicle not only used by cadets to transport to their functions but also “community activities such as Senior Citizen Tours.” The fundraising was done through public donations at events and through hosting their own events such as a dance. A representative shared in the newspaper about the community involvement, saying: “Cadets do more than march and drill.” Cadets even today continue to be involved with the community along with their regular activities.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  • Did the community involvement for the Cadets begin as a way to gain more exposure to the squadron?
  • Did the Cadets attending these extra community activities willingly participate and engage with the public?
  • Have the attendance of the cadets in ceremonies such as the Remembrance day ceremony transitioned into a performative act or are the Cadets passionately participating because of patriotism?